open 1 of 3

1
as in to unlock
to change from a closed to an open position please open the door to let the cat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to clear
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area when we got too close, the cardinal opened its wings and flew to a higher branch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to free
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way snowplows opened the runway without much trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5

open

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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9

open

3 of 3

noun

as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of open
Verb
The 28-ounce reservoir opens from the top, rather than unscrewing from the base, for spill-free fill-ups and weekly deep cleans. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025 The two are believed to have walked out of a set of doors that opened during a power outage. Hanna Park, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Yoshimura also wants to get the message across to Hollywood that Japan’s notoriously conservative and risk-averse entertainment industry is open to change. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 The On-Deck Shop at the A’s stadium is open during game days for fans looking to represent the team. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
All-seeing surveillance drones, present everywhere all the time along the 800-mile front line of the three-year war, quickly spot any vehicles traveling out in the open. David Axe, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Yet, the true magic of Scarlet Night happens out in the open, in the unplanned interactions between guests and performers. Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • Consider their best advice below to lead creative talent well and unlock all the talent these employees have to offer.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Taking your time might be the key to unlocking an even more delicious experience.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • It wasn’t resolved until Nov. 4, 1999, when the NCAA sent word clearing Richardson, setting off a celebration in the Spartans’ locker room.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Braxton Jones is still rehabilitating from surgery on his broken ankle but is on track to be cleared in the spring at some point.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In this slice-of-life portrait, Chen shows how childhood experiences can shape someone, illustrating how a childhood passion might expand their horizons without necessarily becoming a lifelong vocation.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Several hours later, the judge expanded his order to prevent the Trump administration from deporting any migrants believed to be members of Tren de Aragua under the Alien Enemies Act.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Removing them will free up space and improve performance.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • With drones, sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, rescue operators have been working around the clock to free dozens of people thought to be trapped inside.
    Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Desir had won 24 consecutive matches to begin the season.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Angels in the Asylum was able to begin production with funding from other investors, while Sorrenti and Greenwood also put cash into the project.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For more than 25 hours, the New Jersey Democrat stood at the Senate lectern speaking against President Donald Trump’s policies in what may be the most dramatic and sustained public challenge to Trump’s agenda since his return to the White House.
    Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Apple moved to dismiss the lawsuit under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which is intended to protect free speech against frivolous lawsuits on matters of public importance, but in a surprising decision at the time, the court sided with Sexton.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Any monetary system, including our current fiat arrangement, is vulnerable to manipulation.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Malnutrition leaves children vulnerable to pneumonia, diarrhea and other diseases.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be honest about strategic intent: If the acquisition will eventually be fully integrated, communicate this from the beginning rather than creating false expectations of independence.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The current lawsuits still need to play out in the courts, but the cases have brought attention to the need for TV brands to be honest about the capabilities of their QD TVs.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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